Jesus and Marriage: The World's Demands Collide with God's Design

It is time for the church of Jesus Christ to stand boldly for God's design for marriage!

The world is trying to redefine marriage as a matter of equality, fairness and/or justice, regardless of the gender of those involved.  But, "from the beginning" God has defined (and Jesus affirms in Mark 10:1-12) marriage as a matter of the creative order wherein a man and a woman unite in a life-long relationship.

Listen to this message and decide which definition you will embrace and uphold:  God's or the world's.

God's Design for Marriage:  Man and Woman Bonded under God

The Growing Reality: Marriage is Broken

Jesus and Marriage

Mark 10:1-12

To understand this passage is to understand one key phrase:  “From the Beginning” (v. 6)

** From the beginning, God has a perfect plan/design/hope for every aspect of your life.

Ephesians 1:11 – “In [Jesus] we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan

of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will.”

Ephesians 2:10 – “We are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

Note:  ALL of God’s design was instituted BEFORE the Law existed.

Jesus on Marriage…

Hope 1 – From the beginning, marriage is a relationship designed for a man and a woman.

Mark 10:6 – “But from the beginning of creation God ‘madethem male and female.’”

Hope 2 – From the beginning, marriage was a lifelong relationship.

Mark 10:9 – “Therefore what God has joined together,let man not separate.”

Point: Yet, despite God’s design, it is clear that people have wanted to do their own thing.

What the Culture has Done to Marriage…

The Trend: Our Culture continues to alter God’s design for it’s own permissive agenda.

Note: Jesus asked (v. 3) – “What did Moses command you?”… but the Pharisees responded, “Moses permitted…”

The Result:  The World corrupts God’s original design…and then call it justice or equality or fairness or “my right”…

…in so doing, our culture propagates the separation…not just between a man and woman, but with God.

Application:  What are we to do?

See John 8:1-12 for a model of how to respond…

Application 1 - We will not condemn those who have altered God’s design.

Jesus:  “If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone.”  (John 8:7)

Application 2 - We will encourage and restore God’s design for marriage.

Jesus: “Neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go and sin no more.” (John 8:11)

Application 3 - We will offer healing and give direction  to those who desire God’s blessing.

Jesus: “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12)